Blog

Out of an abundance of caution and in response, to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus variant B117 in the St. John’s Metropolitan Area, Labrador Grenfell Health is enhancing access to testing across the Regional Health Authority.

Individuals who have returned from the St. John’s Metropolitan area in the last two weeks who do not have any symptoms and have not been identified as close contacts are encouraged to get a COVID-19 test.

Testing will be available throughout the Labrador-Grenfell Health region on February 17 and 18. No appointment is necessary for those seeking testing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador West and St. Anthony.

· Happy Valley-Goose Bay and surrounding area* Pentecostal Church, 250 Hamilton River Rd                                       9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. · St. Anthony and surrounding area*              Apt 209, 178-200 West St.(behind old hospital) 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m *Individuals with access to a printer are encouraged complete and print the intake form below and bring it with them to the swab site.

· Labrador City and Wabush*      Labrador West Health Center   (back entrance)                                                9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.   · All other communities and sites: Book and appointment through 8-1-1 or by completing an online self-assessment at https://covidassessment.nlchi.nl.ca and selecting yes to “do you require a COVID-19 test as a result of an advisory from Public Health?”

After February 18, all individuals regardless of travel should follow the most up to date Public Health Orders which can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/alert-system/ .

Individuals are reminded to bring their MCP card with them for testing.

Individuals who develop one OR more symptoms and who have been identified as close contacts OR meet the criteria for testing as a result of an advisory for Public Health should complete an online self-referral assessment at https://covidassessment.nlchi.nl.ca or call 8-1-1.

The severity of symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and are defined as:

Fever (including chills/sweats) Cough (new or worsening) Small red or purple spots on hands and/or feet Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Loss of appetite Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours

Runny, stuffy or congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes/conditions) Sore throat or difficulty swallowing Headache Acute loss of sense of smell or taste Unusual fatigue, lack of energy New onset of muscle aches

Everyone has a responsibility to monitor for symptoms and prevent the spread of COVID. The public is reminded that we are currently in Alert Level 5 and the best defense against COVID-19 is through physical distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing a mask.

For updates pertaining to Labrador-Grenfell Health’s ongoing services and restrictions, please visit our Twitter page or www.lghealth.ca/covid-19.

For more information and regular updates on COVID-19, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website at www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.

 

Media Contact:

Amanda MacNeil

Regional Director of Communications, Labrador-Grenfell Health

E: amanda.macneil@lghealth.ca